Arkansas Fiscal Session Wrap-up (May 3, 2024)
Mullenix & Associates
The General Assembly wrapped up much of its Fiscal Session business yesterday. Members will reconvene on Thursday, May 9 to adjourn sine die. Highlights of the past few days include:
- Both chambers approved the Revenue Stabilization Act, which will appropriate $6.31 billion in state spending for FY25, $109 million more than current levels. Most of the increase will go toward implementing the LEARNS Act. The appropriations bill for the Arkansas Game and Fish Commission is currently unresolved, but House leadership is hopeful members will reach a consensus by next week.
- General revenue collections decreased slightly in April but were above the latest Department of Finance and Administration forecast by $223.7 million. Legislative leaders previously said they would wait until the end of FY24 to determine whether to pursue additional income tax cuts during a potential special session. The top income tax rate currently stands at 4.4%, and the corporate income tax rate is 4.8%.
- Two crypto mining bills, SB78 and SB79, are now on Governor Sanders’ desk for her signature. The measures will give more local and state control over the facilities’ operations, including noise control and foreign ownership. The General Assembly is expected to introduce additional bills related to the crypto industry in the 2025 Regular Session.
- The House sent Governor Sanders a bill that will increase state employees’ base salaries by 3%, boost the minimum salary to $32,405, raise the maximum salary range for all pay grades by 10%, and authorize new incentives for recruits and employees through lump sum payments or extra paid leave starting in FY25. The estimated annual cost is $42.4 million.
- The Senate elected Bart Hester to serve as President Pro Tempore. At sine die on Thursday, the chamber will vote on majority and minority leaders and whips. The House will also select who will replace Speaker Matthew Shepherd—Brian Evans, Jack Ladyman, or Johnny Rye.
- In a heartwarming moment, the General Assembly honored the state’s longest-married couple—at 82 years—Margie, 99, and Thell, 106, Ellison of Crawford County.